Builders ramped up construction on new homes last year as buyers eagerly sought more housing options. Single-family housing starts jumped 13.4% in 2021 compared to 2020, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. But builders say supply-side challenges pose challenges to keeping that pace in 2022. In December, builders pointed to supply challenges as the main culprit …
Category: Real Estate Tips
Jan 24
Kitchen Pantries a Sought-After Amenity
The kitchen pantry has become a craved amenity in more homes today. They may be worthy of your attention if staging the space in a home listing. Larger, more functional pantries are a popular add-on in home remodels, according to the latest trends study released by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Sixty percent of …
Jan 24
Credit Tips When Applying for a Mortgage
NEW YEAR! NEW HOME! With the help of myself and John Coneys of RoundPoint Mortgage, (NMLS# 183853 – 610.322.4886) we can explore homebuying options to help you meet your goals. #RealEstate #Realtor #HomePurchase #BuyersMarket #PlymouthMeetingRP
Jan 20
Buyers May Find Opening With Mortgage Credit
Buyers May Find Opening With Mortgage Credit Mortgage credit availability loosened in December, even as house hunters continue to face higher prices that are hampering affordability, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. MBA’s Mortgage Credit Availability Index posted its highest reading since May 2021. However, credit availability is still 30% below pre-pandemic levels. “Credit …
Jan 19
HUD Gives Early Chance to Owner-Occupant Buyers
HUD Gives Early Chance to Owner-Occupant Buyers The Federal Housing Administration doubled its exclusive listing period on certain HUD single-family and real estate-owned homes that will give owner-occupant buyers more time to bid on the properties ahead of investor competition. HUD-approved nonprofit organizations and government entities also will be able to submit bids to …
Jan 19
‘Foreclosure Tsunami’ Fears Unfounded
‘Foreclosure Tsunami’ Fears Unfounded With moratoriums in place, foreclosures were nearly non-existent last year. Even as pandemic protections have lifted, a foreclosure wave—which was an industry concern—has not occurred. “The COVID-19 foreclosure tsunami that some people had anticipated is clearly not happening,” says Rick Sharga, executive vice president at RealtyTrac, an ATTOM company. “Government …
Jan 18
Mortgage Rates Post Big Jump This Week
Mortgage Rates Post Big Jump This Week Inflation continues to press on mortgage rates. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.45% this week, up from last week’s 3.22% average, Freddie Mac reports. “Mortgage rates rose across all mortgage loan types, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increasing by almost a quarter of a percent from last week,” …
Jan 18
Cities Happiest With Their Neighbors
Cities Happiest With Their Neighbors A pleasant neighbor can make homeowners happier, studies have found. But do certain cities and towns tend to be more neighborly than others? StorageCafe, a storage unit search site, surveyed nearly 11,000 Americans to gauge neighborliness across the country. They factored in satisfaction with neighbors, sense of community, involvement in community …
Jan 17
Buyers Rushing to Lock In Mortgages
Buyers Rushing to Lock In Mortgages The housing market doesn’t appear to be following its typical seasonal slowdown this winter. Home buyers appeared in a rush last week, with economists crediting rising mortgage rates. Mortgage rates moved to their highest level in more than a year, the Mortgage Bankers Association reports. Buyers who are already …
Jan 17
Have a hassle-free tax season
️ Check out these four steps for a hassle-free tax season! With the help of myself and John Coneys of RoundPoint Mortgage, (NMLS# 183853 – 610.322.4886) we can explore homebuying options to help you meet your goals. #RealEstate #Realtor #HomePurchase #BuyersMarket #PlymouthMeetingRP
Jan 13
Kitchen Trends to Watch
Kitchen Trends to Watch Renovating a kitchen has become popular with many homeowners looking to spice up the look of their space. As they take on projects, they’re showing more interest in splurging on finishes and materials to get the high-end look they want, according to a new study from Houzz. Countertops are one area …
Jan 12
Rising Rates Pressure Buyers
Rising Rates Pressure Buyers House hunters are watching mortgage rates closely. After all, every increase could have an impact on affordability, particularly given escalating home prices. Nearly half—47%—of home buyers recently surveyed say they would feel more pressure to buy a home if mortgage rates passed 3.5%, according to a new consumer survey conducted by …
